prominent, ridden and hit 3 out, hung right from next, soon weakened
held up, prominent when hit 4 out, soon weakened
held up, headway 4 out, ridden to chase winner last, kept on
in touch, weakened 9th, pulled up before 11th
prominent, weakened 4 out
chased leaders until lost place 8th, pulled up before 3 out
always behind, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, weakened from 4 out
led, hit 3rd, headed 6th, close up until weakened 4 out
always behind, unseated rider 10th
chased leaders, led 6th, ridden and headed when blundered 3 out, one pace
held up, blundered 6th, struggling from 9th, pulled up before 12th
behind, struggling from 9th to 2 out when beaten
chased leaders, led 3 out, stayed on from next
Swiftway has the recent form to count on and is the pick ahead of Alittlebitopower, Good Heart, Prioritation and Soldati to name but four. Swiftway pulled out all the stops when getting back up to beat Bohemian Spirit at Sedgefield 10 days ago, and although he could really do with a step back up to three miles, is selected as he will have no problems with the fast ground. He was an easy winner under such conditions at Musselburgh in February, and is taken to defy a penalty. Alittlebitopower was second in a point-to-point at Corbridge last time, and although he also finished in the runner's up berth here 12 months ago, will need to brush up his jumping to trouble the selection. Good Heart is another that lines up on the back of a point outing, as does Prioritation, successful over three miles at Witton Castle. Soldati is difficult to assess, but has won between the flags in Ireland and was sixth in a hunter chase at Down Royal recently. He could easily prove troublesome, but we shall rely on the proven form of Swiftway.
Swiftway 4-1 Tracked leaders, hit 2nd, led 9th, headed after 2 out, soon ridden, rallied to lead near finish, won at Sedgefield 2m 5f hts chs (H) gd beating Bohemian Spirit by a hd, 12 ran.
Alittlebitopower 2-1 2nd of 9, 2l behind Mays Delight at Corbridge 3m ptp gd in Apr.
Good Heart (IRE) 4-1 2nd of 7, 4l behind Prominent at Tabley 3m ptp gd in Apr.
High Expectations (IRE) 33-1 Tracked leaders, close up 13th, led 4 out, headed last, no extra flat, 4th of 7, 33l behind Geordies Express at Kelso 3m 1f chs (H) sft in Apr.
Highland Brig 16-1 Led to 3rd, chased leader, lost place 16th, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Imps Way at Hexham 3m 1f mdn hts chs (H) gd in Apr, 15 ran.
Incroyable Mais Vrai (FR) 7-2 4th of 12, 29l behind Anshan Spirit at Corbridge 3m ptp gd in Apr.
Jupsala (FR) Evensfav 3rd of 8, 12l behind Last Spruce at Balcormo Mains 3m ptp gd in Apr.
Prioritisation (IRE) 7-2 won at Witton Castle 3m ptp gd beating Search Party by 5l, 18 ran.
